Abuja: President of the Niger Delta Youth Network (NDYN), Comrade Scott Ogunseri, has called on youths across the Niger Delta to focus on development and reject negative activities such as oil bunkering, criminality, and drug abuse. Speaking at a news conference in Abuja to commemorate the 2026 International Youth Day, Ogunseri emphasized the potential of young people in shaping the future.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ogunseri highlighted that youths should not only be considered as future leaders but also as current contributors to development within the Niger Delta. He warned that engaging in criminal activities could jeopardize their future and hinder regional progress. Ogunseri stressed the importance of education, skill acquisition, capacity building, technological adoption, entrepreneurship, and mutual support among young people.
Ogunseri urged youths to maintain peace and act as positive representatives of the Niger Delta, pointing out that their choices and actions would significantly impact development. He called on governments, institutions, and stakeholders to invest in youth by creating opportunities, addressing concerns, and involving them in decision-making.
He praised the region for having talented youths whose potential should be harnessed for prosperity. Reaffirming NDYN’s dedication to youth empowerment and leadership development, Ogunseri encouraged expanded empowerment programs and partnerships to provide sustainable livelihoods.
Ogunseri also acknowledged support from Tantita Security Services, the Presidential Amnesty Programme, the NDDC, the Ministry of Regional Planning, Niger Delta governors, the Federal Government, NGOs, and other stakeholders in youth development initiatives.
He stressed that the choices made today would determine the Niger Delta’s future, urging youths to prefer education and innovation over crime and division. The NDYN President expressed readiness to collaborate with stakeholders to create a thriving environment for young people.
Lastly, Ogunseri congratulated the youths on International Youth Day 2026, wishing for ongoing peace and development. The event concluded with the launch of NDYN’s 1,000 Youth CEOs Initiative, aimed at developing 1,000 Niger Delta CEOs in 2026, under the theme ‘From Ideas to Enterprises: Empowering the Next Generation of Niger Delta CEOs.’